Mike Muldoon
I started playing percussion at my fathers knee, hearing the music of the Latin Jazz greats during my early years; Stan Kenton, Mongo Santamaria, Willie Bobo, Cal Tjader, Machito. My father was a student of percussionist Mike Pacheco, and played with Jazz artists in the LA area. This was my first exposure to the drums.
I have been a student of percussion for about 30 years now. I've studied various styles and have been greatly influenced by my teachers and colleagues. Among these are percussionists Alex Acuna, Carlinhos de Oliveira, Seguin, Fermin Nani (Escuela National de Danza Moderna y Folklorico de Cuba), Carlos Aldama(formerly of Conjunto Folklorico Nacional de Cuba), Roberto Viscaino and Alberto Ferbst Rodrigues. I must also include composer, educator, and keyboard player Bailey Matsuda. I did not receive formal training from Bailey, but worked very closely with him in many musical settings, and learned a lot about using space, texture, and color.
Although I've traveled to Cuba in order to study the roots of the music first taught to me by my father, I do not consider myself a "latin percussionist." I use elements learned from my teachers and blend what they have given me with my own approach to the art form. These are sounds to be used like colors in the hands of a painter, the music being a canvas.
In 1984 I traveled to Hawaii and for 12 years I worked with Hawaiian and non-Hawaiian musicians. I have been influenced by these artists as well. Hawaii is truly a musical place. I was startled to find, upon my return to California, that playing ethnic percussion in Los Angeles in non-latin settings is still considered unusual. In Hawaiian culture, percussion plays an important role. I was fortunate to be welcomed into the lives, and art, of some special people in the islands. Though I will list some of these artists at the end of my bio, I must mention two Hawaiians in particular; Henry Kapono and Israel Kamakawiwo'ole (known to many as "IZ"). I worked for several years with both artists, and each time I walk on stage I take with me lessons learned from these men.
The tradition which began with my father is now being passed on to my children, and into the future. I continue along the journey.
Here is a brief list of some of the artists I've recorded or played live with:
Ala Nui
Israel Kamakawiwo'ole ( IZ )
Raven O
The Pagan Babies
Tokyo Symphony Orchestra
(Conductor: Yoshiyuki Kozu)
Cabaseke
Kenny Endo
Youki Kudoh
Anri
Michael Paulo
Toots Thielmans
Casiopea
Anthony Jackson
Steve Ferrone
Rique Pantoja
Carlinhos de Oliveira
Charo
Cecilio & Kapono
John Cruz
Don Tiki
Kapono Beamer
Keola Beamer
Cyril Pahinui
Maricio Smith
Jerry Watts
Imelda Papin
Brother Noland
Del Beazley
Teresa Bright
Bob Kindler
Steve Kindler
Glenn Medeiros
Pauline Wilson
Gaylord Holomalia
Mel Amina
Analu Aina
Hawaiian Style Band
Ka'au Crater Boys
David Inamine
Noel Okimoto
Ohta San
Fiji
Bruce Hamada
David Choy
Tris Imboden
Malik Sow